Isolation of Enterobacteriaceae bacteriophage particles catalysing cell wall lipopolysaccharide degradation

Using pairs of smooth and rough forms of Enterobacteriaceae, six smooth-specific bacteriophages were isolated from sewage and another was obtained from Dr Hedda Milch, Budapest. Upon incubation of the individual extracted (smooth) host cell wall lipopolysaccharides with the homologous purified viruses, liberation of reducing groups (i.e. of about di- to nonasaccharides) was observed in four cases, indicating the action of glycanases - but no liberation of acetic acid, indicating the absence of esterase activity. Under the electron microscope, all phages were seen to exhibit Bradley group B or C morphology and to carry tail spikes.